You can ripen an avocado faster by putting it in a paper or cloth bag with a banana, apple, or kiwi.

The avocado fruit produces ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. This does not affect the quality or taste of the avocado. It is a natural process and is not harmful in any way. The bag traps the gas, and the avocado takes advantage of that by speeding up its ripening time. In some cases, the fruit can ripen overnight. 

Did you know you can ripen your avocado in the oven?

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees on the bake setting and wrap the avocado in tin foil. Check the avocado every 10 minutes until it is soft to the touch and ready to eat. 

How to tell if an avocado is ripe

Color for Hass and Gem. Green means it will be ripe in at least five days, brownish means it will be ripe in two to three days, and black means it is ripe right now. Additionally, if it is rock hard, it is not ripe yet. If it has a little give and is black in color, it’s ripe.

Stem: If the stem is hard or stiff and attached, it’s not ripe yet. If it gives a little when you push on it, it’s ripe.

The skin of the Bacon and Zutano varieties will remain green while ripening. When the fruit is soft to the touch and has a little give, it is ripe. If it is rock hard, it’s not ripe yet. Additionally, if the stem is hard and attached, it’s not ripe yet. If it gives a little when you push on it, it’s ripe.